Which cranial nerve is responsible for hearing?

The cranial nerve responsible for hearing is cranial nerve VIII, also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve. This nerve has two primary components: the cochlear branch, which is involved in hearing, and the vestibular branch, which is responsible for balance. The cochlear branch transmits auditory information from the inner ear (specifically the cochlea) directly to the brain, allowing for the perception of sound.

Understanding the role of cranial nerve VIII is crucial in the context of HEENT assessments, as any dysfunction in this nerve can lead to hearing impairments or balance issues. The other cranial nerves listed, while essential in various functions, do not play a direct role in hearing. Therefore, cranial nerve VIII is the correct choice for this question, highlighting its specific function in auditory processing.